National Republican., 1887-12-03

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The career OF Mr.. Harris Is an interesting
one-an example of what may be accom-
plished by native ability, supplemented by
prodglous energy and shrewd business
methods, In early life this ambitious man
found himself face to foce With hard fortune,
but he had the nerve and the pluck to sue
ceed and he has done so. Beside the Washing.
ton theater he is proprietor Of playhouses In
Baltimore, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Pitts
burg. All Of these are under his personal
control, although the details are intrusted
to tried and faithful submanagers.
With all the immense cares upon him,
Mr.. Harris is always quiet, modest, ur.
bane gentleman, easily approached, invarl-
ably courteous, and the soul Of honor.
OF the house itself 1t is only necessary to
remind our readers Of the many ana valua-
BILE improvements with which they have
become familiar. Small theaters require,
II anything, more care than larger ones, and
II any defective features exist they are all
the more apparent and uncomfortable.
Last summer, at the suggestion Of Resident
Manager Haynes. and practically under his
supervision, the pitch Of the auditorium
floor was changed, new aisles introduced, the
entire house reseated, and sliding roof 400
feet square was introduced. Those who re.
call the discomforts of the old house readily
appreciate the improvement In the floor and
na Al.A.a L.
sembled that does not, consciously or other
wise, partake Of the invaluable advantages
afforded in the matter Of ventilation by the
sliding roof. The theater has six distinct
exits, which, together with the improve
ment in the aisles, renders the house un-
usually safe In case Of any disaster. To
many this is very important consid deratlon,
and Harrls's Theater fully meets 1t.
Too much credit cannot be given Mr.. e.
G. Haynes for the able aud courteous
managerial qualities he has brought to Mr..
HarIs's interests IN this city. A more
courteous or conscientious gentleman than
Mr.. Haynes would be hard to find; and we
know we speak the sentiment OF Washing.
tonians when we say he is the right mau In
the right place.
It should be borne in mind that the policy
of Mr.. Harrls-a policy admirably executed
so far as his Washington taeater is con-
cerned-to give his patrons the very best
attractions on the road, to stage them In an
eXceptionable manner, to furnish the best
of music, and to equip the house with com.
petent and gentlemanly attendants-all
upon the same plan OF excellence to be met
with In the leading theaters OF the country.
And you should also remember that the de.
tails OF such policy as this, such details as
are only employed and valuable In the es.
tablishment and maintenance Of popular
priced house, these dependent features call
for the most assiduous care, scrupulous
oversight, and tlreless energy. They are
apropos that the ladies and children should
avail themselves of the daily matinees at
house. AS matter Of course, better seats
can be obtained, equal excellence prevails
in the entertainment, and the little ones
can enjoy the same play their parents see at
night, without the annoyances of crowd.
There are many reasons why the Harris
Theater appeals to the confidence and ap-
probation Of the Washington public, aud
ttill without any conflict with the other
theaters. As representative house for the
presentation Of the best dramatic attrac-
tions, at popular prices, 1t stands alone in
this city, and there is yet to be said one
word OF censure or complaint respecting
the house or Its management. On the con-
trary, there is much to be said In commen-
Gation and approval, and as from week to
given, as you are bound, now and then, to
note the material acquisitions and improve
ments made, we think you will agree with
us that we owe much to Mr.. Harris and the
capable and courteous attaches Of this cozy
tbeater.
The pofht certainly deserves emphasis
that In so far as the public encourages and
supports the popular houses the managers
will be able to present attractions COZ
stantly elevating In character. AS an illus
tration Of how the standard has grown and
is growing at this theater, please compare
the attractions OF the past with those OF the
present and the future.
Past attractions: "Under the Gaslight,n
Escaped from Sing" "Jack Shephard,"
"Lost in London" Gray & Stephens,
"Shadow Detective,n "Heroine In Rags,n
"A Boy Tramp" 'The Maniac Mother.n
The present seasons attraction and those
to come include: Edwin Mayo, Keep 1t
Dark, Mollie Wicker, Wilbur Opera Com
pany, Frank l. Frayne, Across the CONT
Ient, Eagles Nest, PASSIONS Slave, P. +.
Baker, Henry Chanfrau, Michael Stro2on,
Peck's Bad Boy, Frances Bishop, Jsnnle
Calf, Her Ator rement, T. X. Collier, Ada
Gray, Mam'zelle, and Pat Rooney.
Now let US sum up the standing and bear
ing OF the popular priced houses In general,
and HaIris's Bijou TheEter Ia particular.
II you have followed these thuaters you
nave teen them grow hicp ~ step, from
the cheap aud dingy muscums 10 stand
Ing, rank, and innuenct am8ur thu ieHili-
mate play'houses Of ~ ltul THIS has
beIn accomplished ~ ~ operation OF
the most liberal policy, BY the
most careful management, adl by
a persistent endeavOf on the part ot
the plOneers IN the enterprise 10 establish
permanent, low priced places Of amusement
by a more than ample fulnllment OF every
obligation made with the public. None OF
these ae tive and progressive managers have
laboTed harder or done more ia this dlrec-
tion than Mr.. Harris; aud, we are pleased
to say, none have been more generously
rewarded. For the future we can but wish
the Bijou Theater the success II deserves
In measure lat least under Mr.. Harrls's
control) 1t has its reputation to make. To
us, first class, low-priced house OF this
kind is something We are slowly, but surely,
growing to; and while we do not even ex-
pect to see commingling OF the interests
of the oid.time houses and those OF the
new departure, We can see no reason why
there should be any clash. As a matter OF
fact the gentlemen representing the various
theaters OF this city are gentlemen In the
tIuest sense OF the term, and such indl-
yiduals can always dwell together In har-